Wetland birding habitat

Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
WetlandLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Hooded Merganser among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/17/2026Hawk Mountain Sanctuary--Visitor Center [do not use for ridge/lookout observations]1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/17/2026Schuylkill River Trail- Auburn2 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/17/2026Auburn Desilting Basin1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/17/2026US-Pennsylvania-Orwigsburg-347 Coal Mountain Rd - 40.625x-76.0381 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

4/16/2026Lake Ontelaunee Dam1 observed

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

4/16/2026Middle Creek WMA--Auto Tour (Lancaster Co.)5 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/16/2026Blue Marsh Lake SRA--Dry Brooks Day Use Area1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/16/2026Lake Wynonah 66D12 F Dock Area1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/14/2026Lake Wynonah (residents/guests only)1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/13/2026Gotwals Pond1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/2026Kaercher Creek Park2 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

4/11/2026stakeout Eurasian Collared-Doves, Shartlesville (2012-present)1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/11/2026Middle Creek WMA--Auto Tour (Lancaster Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

24/9/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/9/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/9/2026

Northern Flicker

14/9/2026

Blue Jay

24/9/2026

American Crow

54/9/2026

Fish Crow

14/9/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/9/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/9/2026

Tree Swallow

74/9/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/9/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

14/9/2026

Carolina Wren

14/9/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/9/2026

American Robin

24/9/2026

American Goldfinch

44/9/2026

Chipping Sparrow

34/9/2026

Field Sparrow

24/9/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

34/9/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports wetland, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area?
Birding at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area?
Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.